18 Fun Things to Do in Westchester this July

This July, there are tons of fun things to do with your kids in Westchester County, from a pirate festival in Sleepy Hollow to outdoor concerts in Katonah, and more low-cost family events in Mount Vernon, Ossining, Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers, and beyond.

Pirates of the Hudson

Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow
July 4-7

Gangs of blackbeards and beauties will swashbuckle their way through Philipsburg Manor at the raucously fun Pirates of the Hudson festival. Musical pirates, belly dancers, and scallywags of all sorts will roam the grounds, looking to pick a pocket or two. Kids can take part in the Pieces of Eight Treasure Hunt, wiggle their way into a pirate shipwreck, trade barbs with a clever, talkative parrot, learn to speak and act like a bloody pirate, view captured mermaids, wander through a museum of oddities, get scarred for life (well, for a day at least) at Lady Molly Roger’s Tattoo Shoppe, test their cannon shot capabilities, help take out the British in Davy Jones’ Revenge, and seize some booty in the Thieves’ Market. Feast on fabulous foods prepared by Tastefully Yours, and down pints of grog created by Captain Lawrence Brewery.

Happy Fourth of July!

Across Westchester
July 4

Grab a blanket or folding chair, a sweatshirt, some snacks, and a bottle of mosquito repellent, and get ready to celebrate our nation’s birthday under the stars! We’ve mapped out this year’s schedule of Fourth of July fireworks and festivities across Westchester County, so you have one go-to guide come Independence Day.

North American Butterfly Count

Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining
July 6

Calling all butterfly enthusiasts! The North American Butterfly Count is a way to partake in a citizen-scientist monitoring effort. This annual compilation of all butterflies observed at specific sites in a one-day period provides a great deal of information about geographical distribution and relative population sizes of the species. Comparisons of the results across years can be used to monitor changes in butterfly populations and study the effects of weather and habitat change on North American butterflies. Participants should be prepared to hike over rough terrain and dress accordingly. Note: This program is not suitable for children younger than 6. Registration is strongly recommended; call 914-762-2912 x110.

Stroller Tour

Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah
July 12

Crying babies aren’t always welcome in museums, so what’s a new parent craving culture to do? Attend a Stroller Tour at the Katonah Museum of Art! New moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers with babies younger than 18 months in tow are invited to a special before-hours gallery tour one Friday per month. This month, explore the current exhibition, Remix: Selections from the International Collage Center, through interactive tours, thought-provoking discussions, and artistic activities. Breakfast snacks will be provided by Tazza Café. No RSVP required and crying babies are welcome.

Open-Air MusicFest

Greenburgh Nature Center, Scarsdale
July 14

The Town of Greenburgh is celebrating its 225th anniversary, and Greenburgh Nature Center is throwing the party! Open-Air MusicFest will be an afternoon and evening filled with musical entertainment to please all musical tastes, provided by a variety of popular local artists. Entrance fee provides an opportunity to walk the woodland trails, view the birds of prey exhibit and barnyard, accompany children as they engage in creative play in Nature’s Discovery Playground, engage in family-oriented activities, or just sit back and enjoy the music, which includes The Gymboree Band, Graham Clarke, Greetings From Anywhere, South County, and Spuyten Duyvil. Refreshments will be available for purchase. For a discounted rate, register and pre-pay online only by July 13.

Mad Science: Spin, Pop…Boom!

Hudson River Museum, Yonkers
July 28

Witness amazing feats of chemistry at Spin, Pop…Boom! The cool eggheads at Mad Science visit the Hudson River Museum to explore all sorts of spectacular reactions. Marvel at demonstrations that spew massive columns of foam from catalysts in a mad mix. Be amazed while you learn, because Mad Science makes education entertaining. FREE!

Dancing at Dusk

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Katonah
Wednesday evenings in July

Bring the kids and a picnic, spread out a blanket, and enjoy great music and fun during the fifth season of Caramoor’s Dancing at Dusk. The Wednesday evening series is a great way to introduce your child, up close, to music in a relaxed and joyful way. Children of all ages will have the opportunity to dance to live music, interact with the musicians, get to know their instruments, and ask questions. There are many activities, designed for toddlers to pre-teens. July 10, it’s Salsa Night with The Funky Guajiros, a show for the whole family dedicated to a deep love of Cuban music and dance. July 24, join in Caramoor’s version of a Tanchaz (a Hungarian folk dance party) at Dancing Under the Tree of Life with the Életfa Hungarian Folk Band, and experience the joy of authentic Hungarian folk music, song, and dance from the villages of present day and historic Hungary.

Sunset Wednesdays

Wave Hill, Bronx
Wednesdays in July (except July 3)

Experience summer at its best during Sunset Wednesdays at Wave Hill. The whole family can enjoy the expansive landscape of rolling lawns and gorgeous formal gardens, fresh river breezes, plein-air performances by local musicians, walks, and cutting-edge art in the Glyndor Gallery. Order dinner from exclusive caterer Great Performances, and you have the makings of a superb summer evening. Enjoy a yoga session at 6pm ($23, includes grounds admission; register at the Perkins Visitor Center), a guided garden walk at 6:30pm, and live music by Bronx musicians at 7pm. Glyndor Gallery, Perkins Visitor Center, and The Shop at Wave Hill will be open until 7:30pm. The Cafe at Wave Hill will be open until 8pm. The grounds will stay open until 8:30pm. Check wavehill.org/visit for the full schedule of Sunset Wednesdays. Free shuttle service to and from Metro-North and the 1 subway.